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Safe Exam Browser (SEB), developed by ETH Zurich, is a robust, open-source software solution designed to create a secure and controlled environment for online examinations. This innovative tool transforms any computer into a secure workstation, ensuring that students can only access authorized resources during an exam.

At its core, SEB locks down the computer, preventing access to unauthorized websites, applications, and system functions. It achieves this by overriding system controls and restricting functionalities such as copy-paste, screen capturing, and switching between applications. This ensures that the integrity of the exam is maintained, and students are unable to engage in dishonest practices.

One of the standout features of SEB is its flexibility and compatibility with various learning management systems (LMS) and assessment platforms. It seamlessly integrates with popular LMS like Moodle, ILIAS, and OpenOLAT, among others, allowing educators to deploy it without significant changes to their existing setups. Additionally, SEB supports a wide range of question types and multimedia content, making it suitable for diverse examination formats.

SEB's user interface is intuitive and straightforward, minimizing the learning curve for both students and educators. The configuration options are extensive, enabling administrators to tailor the security settings to meet specific requirements. For instance, they can whitelist certain websites, configure permitted applications, and set up custom browser skins to align with institutional branding.

Security is paramount in SEB, and it employs several layers of protection to safeguard the examination process. It uses encrypted configuration files to prevent tampering and ensures that only authorized users can access the exam environment. Furthermore, SEB supports secure authentication methods, including Single Sign-On (SSO) and two-factor authentication (2FA), enhancing the overall security framework.

Another notable aspect of SEB is its cross-platform compatibility. It is available for Windows, macOS, and iOS, ensuring that institutions can implement it across various devices and operating systems. This versatility is particularly beneficial in diverse educational settings where students may use different types of hardware.

In terms of performance, SEB is lightweight and efficient, ensuring that it does not hinder the performance of the computer during an exam. It runs smoothly even on older hardware, making it accessible to a broader range of users.

In summary, Safe Exam Browser by ETH Zurich is a comprehensive, secure, and versatile solution for conducting online examinations. Its robust security features, seamless integration with popular LMS, and user-friendly interface make it an invaluable tool for educational institutions aiming to uphold the integrity of their examination processes. Whether you are an educator looking to secure your online exams or an institution seeking a reliable assessment tool, SEB stands out as a top-tier choice.